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Rookie Division Returns in 2024, Conquering Cancer Mile by Mile with Sights Set on New York City Marathon

For the past two years, The Rookie Division has been making waves in the charity running community, conquering the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2023 and shining at The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2024, one of Canada’s most prestigious running events. Held in the nation’s capital and celebrating its 50th Anniversary, this year’s race was the largest yet, attracting participants from all corners of the country.

Without losing steam from their 2023 initiatives, The Rookie Division expanded their support of the Fight To End Cancer this year. With the united efforts of each individual runner and FTEC’s new league of generous sponsors, The Rookie Division launched their total funds to over $6,000.

The combined efforts of Kingsway Boxing Club, Oxygen Yoga & Fitness (South Whitby), Crunch Fitness Whitby, and Snowy-Ade Productions made this year’s run-raiser a success. Next up, FTEC’s golden-crew of First Responders is on route to pursuing their milestone goal of over $10K in the 2025 Boxing Gala & New York City Marathon!

The Rookie Division, comprised mostly of First Responders and alumni from previous races, remains committed to their cause. With unwavering support from various businesses in the Durham Region acting as charity partners, they are poised to make an even greater impact.

Their goal is ambitious: to push their total fundraising efforts beyond $10,000 by the end of the campaign. But it’s not just about the money; it’s about the collective effort to support the Fight To End Cancer and make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the disease.

The Rookie Division has teamed up with the community to raise additional funds throughout the year. In collaboration with South Whitby Oxygen Yoga and Fitness, they hosted their inaugural “I Love My Fight” fundraiser in March, followed by a second event on April 24 and a third on May 23. The team is excited to continue their fundraising efforts toward ending cancer in our lifetime.

As they lace up their shoes and prepare to hit the pavement once again, The Rookie Division sees the New York Marathon as more than just another race. It’s a chance to continue their mission, to raise awareness, and to honour those who have fought – and continue to Fight – To End Cancer.

For The Rookie Division, this race marks the beginning of a new chapter in their journey, a historical run that symbolizes their enduring commitment to the cause. And with every step they take, they bring hope and inspiration to those in the Fight To End Cancer.

Next stop is the New York Marathon 2025! FTEC’s golden-crew of First Responders is on track to pursue their milestone goal of raising over $10K in the 2025 Boxing Gala & New York City Marathon. The Rookie Division can’t wait to conquer more miles in support of the Fight To End Cancer! 👊🎗️⚡️

The Rookie Division hit the streets at the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, raising both funds and hope in the Fight To End Cancer.

“The initial event that led me to join the Fight to End Cancer was the loss of my grandmother to liver cancer in the spring of 2022. Her passing served as an awakening to the harsh reality of cancer. To escape the empty void, I initiated a mission to combat the rising cases of cancer. After contacting Jennifer Huggins, I found my home and was welcomed with open arms to the Fight To End Cancer charity.

The driving force in my fight is to honor my grandmother and the community of survivors, victims, and lost loved ones. Having these values embedded within my heart gives me the fuel to be a strong ambassador for the fight to end cancer.

In the near future, I hope to see the efforts at Fight to End Cancer have a significant influence on changing the tide in the war against cancer. Additionally, as an ambassador for the charity, I hope to inspire others to join the fight and pursue their charitable endeavours. I truly believe the essential element to igniting change is the unity of others in pursuit of a common mission. One of the greatest lessons my grandmother taught me was that the definition of a beautiful life is fighting for something other than yourself.”

– Tyrone Kozminski Magbitang


Meet The Rookie Division Team 2022 – Present

Tyler K. Magbitang
Andrew Slater
Temo Flores
John Valeri
Evan McCutcheon
Daniel Chylek
Alex Arhontakis
Jeff Pierre
Davaun Francis
Tristan Bolton
Camron Fitzmaurice
Olivia Bates
Charlotte Rose MacDowell

Thank you again for your support Tyrone and The Rookie Division!

The Rookie Division has poured immense heart and dedication into the Fight To End Cancer, and we can’t thank them enough! We are always on the lookout for more individuals ready to join the fight. If you’re interested, please feel free to contact us or join the fight! If you’re interested please Contact Us or Join The Fight!

Together we will end cancer in our lifetime!

Defeat Is NOT An Option!


About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative driven by ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers worldwide. Since our inception in 2012, we have donated nearly $3 million to the cause. Funds raised by FTEC go directly to the GTX Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year, we honour the hard work and dedication of our FTEC family through alternating events: a black-tie charity boxing gala and our newest initiative, The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Our mission is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime. Learn More About The Fight To End Cancer.

About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca